Chapter 524

524 The Answer

The talk was over.

Afterwards, we had dinner and went to sleep.

Sheer exhaustion pervaded meit was as if Id survived a long, arduous battle.

I dont have much of an appet.i.te.

Well, Im hungry.

Fiona was her usual old self. Usual att.i.tude, usual words, usual mood

Just because she had become my lover, itd be troublesome if she suddenly acted like a spoiled cat. Right now, it was safe to say that I didnt have the confidence to deal with such a thing.

Hence why, I was glad Fiona behaved like usual.

Although, she cried just now.

Before that, Id like to take a shower.

Okay, Ill prepare dinner.

Thanks. What about Sariel?

She was asleep. She can just shower tomorrow.

As a side note, Sariel went to sleep in an extra room in the dormitory. Since spare sheets and blankets were always available, she was free to use another bed.

Back in the village, did Kurono help Sariel take a bath?

Thats right.

I see.

Despite being the one asking, Fiona was unenthusiastic.

Did it bother her?

The man she loved saw the naked body of another woman every day.

If I was in her shoes, itd be impossible for me to not care. Also, her curt reply was kind of scary.

Then, what about her diet?

If shes still awake, Ill feed her.

I couldnt just propose for all of us to eat together. On the surface, Fiona might agree, but there was no way shed take kindly to it.

About Sariels missing limbs Did you give her any potions?

No, I didnt give her anything because I cant find anything useful.

I have a fairly potent healing potion. If you give it to her, while it wont regenerate her missing limbs, I think that itll help her better in the long run.

Is it really alright?

Yes, with the only downside being that it tastes so gross, youre better off dead than drinking it.

T-then, lets not

I see.

Even if slowly, Sariels wounds should be healing. For the time being, I had managed to convince others to let her stay.

Well, the rest was up to the Sparda army, but lets not think about that today.

Alright.

After asking all those questions, Fiona rushed to the shower.

Since the shower had been left vacant for a while, it mustve been filthy Still, Fiona should be able to do something about it with water magic.

Haa

Left alone, I sighed deeply.

How lame.

Is this really alright?

Despite my dilemma, it wasnt like there was anything I could do.

Then, how about some soup?

I decided to stop fussing about it and focus on cooking. Perhaps, as an escapism.

While we didnt have any food left, we still had the supplies that Lily and the others prepared for our return to Spada.

Lets make it simple and just use that for today.

For the first time in a while, I stood in the kitchen of the dormitory. Blankly, I started a fire in the hearth.

Thus, I cooked in autopilot mode, forgetting the pa.s.sage of time.

I added the finely-diced ingredients into the pot, before grilling the thickly-sliced bacon. Even though they were leftover ingredients, they were much better than the ones I had in the cultivation village.

Surely, Reki and Ursula would rejoice at the sight of the bacon and white bread alone. When I remembered the smiles of the two of themwhich remained in my heartI felt a bit warmer.

Back.

Youre just in time.

Nice timing, Fiona had just finished showering. Instead of her usual witchy garb, shed changed into casual loungewear. Seeing that familiar, light blue cape on her reminded me of my daily life in Spada.

Lets eat. Ill be sure to clean the rest and bring some to Sariel. After this, please have some rest.

Okay, thanks.

Our casual exchange made the past happenings difficult to believe. Seeing how nonchalant Fiona was, I began to feel self-conscious.

Am I the only one overthinking?

Also, did Fiona really become my girlfriend?

I honestly didnt feel like such was the case.

Whats the matter, Kurono? Are you dozing off?

No, never mind

I prevented myself from overthinking once again and sat down at the table.

Yeah, for now lets just finish eating and head to bed.

Ill just leave future planning and all the specifics that came with it to my tomorrow self.

***

(Fionas POV)

I knocked on the old wooden door.

Come in.

After hearing the soft, faint reply, I opened the door.

Thus, I saw a room with the same layout and size as my own. However, since itd seldom been used, it only consisted of a desk, a chair, a closet, and a bed.

The new owner of the previously vacant room was the 7th ApostleSarielwho was currently lying on the bed.

I brought you food.

Thank you.

A mechanical response came from the blank-faced owner.

I didnt know what went through her mind.

No, is she even thinking at all?

Kurono made this soup. Please eat it while its still warm.

Then, I placed the bowl filled with piping hot soup on the floor, right in the middle of the room. It was almost as if I was feeding a dog.

Sariel stared alternately between the soup and me. She didnt budge.

Whats wrong? Hurry up and eat.

Do you hate me?

Who cares, Im telling you to hurry up and eat.

I casually tugged her long, l.u.s.trous silver hair and dragged her out of the bed.

Whether it was because she was limbless, or because she was pet.i.te and slender, I was able to drag her to the floor.

With a thud, Sariel fell flat on the floor, but she didnt make a single noise.

Well, considering that shed undergone the same remodeling surgery as Kurono, a fall of that height wouldnt be a problem.

Cmon, it isnt like you need a spoon.

Actually, I didnt bring it from the beginning.

I only brought her soupand one extra thing.

This is a healing potion. Do savor it.

I knew that Kurono was reluctant about letting Sariel drink it. But since we both wanted the best for her, it didnt matter.

Above all, this woman was undeserving of the soup he made.

I popped the potion vial open, before letting the deep blue, slimy liquid dribble into her soup.

Nn.

With her remaining left arm, Sariel crawled clumsily on the floor. After dragging herself for a few meters, she finally reached the plate of soup containing the disgusting potion.

Thank you for the meal.

After muttering in a ridiculously polite manner, Sariel lightly brought her face towards the soup and started lapping it like a dog.

For the strongest warrior of the Sinclair Republic to be reduced into this state.

Is this the end of the one of the twelve holy humans closest to G.o.dthe 7th Apostle, Sariel?

You look so pathetic, Sariel.

As she leaned against the soup plate, I stepped on her head. I mercilessly pressed the sole of my favorite bootsdirty after traversing the Galahad Mountainsagainst her s.h.i.+ning silver hair.

Someone of her capability should be able to easily evade and counter it, yet Sariel endured the humiliating gesture without any resistance.

Her beautiful, pure white face sank into the nasty, gooey blue liquid that was a mixture of soup and potion.

I wont show you any mercy, for I detest you.

I wasnt the type to mince my words. I just said whatever that went through my mind.

Therefore, Id just be honest with her. Besides, I didnt think Id be able to hide it.

I want to kill you right now.

Yet I cant. I cant kill her.

After all, that was the absolute prerequisite that I had to stomach in order to win Kurono.

Yes, Lily cant stand it, but I can.

Because Id been preparing myself for it for a long time.

It wasnt until after the Last Rose Subjugation in the Asbel Mountains that I became convinced of our differences. I asked her about the dream Kurono had.

Her answer was, He dreamed of his hometown.

I asked her to elaborate. Apparently, Kurono might have a lover in his hometown.

However, Lily abruptly ended the conversation in the middle. She wouldnt listenshe wouldnt even entertain the possibility of Kurono loving someone else. Or, to put it simply, that he might not be a virgin.

Such was Lilys biggest fearthat Kurono had bedded another woman.

Is it because shes a fairy?

Akin to the ideals of the Crusaders, Lilys strict when it came to chast.i.ty. Perhaps, virtuous was the correct term.

A respected concept of chast.i.ty that women of the world should embrace.

Nevertheless, Lily, its a bit cruel to impose that ideal on a man?

Id decided to only give my virginity to the one I love. However, I couldnt possibly ask the same of Kurono? After all, hed spend 17 long years in a peaceful, different world called j.a.pan that we didnt have a clue about. Therefore, it wouldnt be surprising if he had past flings. Besides, he was already at the age where he could get married and have children.

I still didnt know.

I still didnt know if Kurono truly had a lover back in his hometown. If not, would that make Sariel his first?

Id be lying if I said it didnt bother me. But I no longer cared. Id resolved myself to move past that.

From the beginning, Id given up on being Kuronos first. Lily, on the other hand, was vying for it. Such was the difference between the two of us.

Therefore, from the moment I saw Kurono holding Sariel in Alsace Fortress, I was convinced that I had won.

I had something to confess

The realization struck me in an instant.

Kurono couldnt kill Sariel.

Thus, I decided to take advantage of it. The relations.h.i.+p between him and Sarielor to be precise, with that girl from his hometown. s.h.i.+rasaki Yuriko. When I heard about their relations.h.i.+p, I soon understood that the relations.h.i.+p between the two was complicated.

However, it wasnt like he wholeheartedly loved her, either. Kurono didnt seem to be interested in marrying Sariel, but that alone was enough.

By holding Sariel hostage, Kurono couldnt turn down my confession. At the same time, she also inadvertently became my weapon to eliminate Lilymy strongest love rival.

Due to her integrity, Lily would never forgive Sariel for making love with Kurono.

She was so disappointed, so much that she conceded easily. Akin to a fragile maiden, she desolately cried and ran away.

Thankfully, yes, thankfully, he didnt refuse

Kurono, youre way too serious.

Under normal circ.u.mstances, any man would reject a woman who approached him so unscrupulously. Heck, I wouldnt even blame them for resorting to violence.

Yet, Kurono didnt. No matter how inconvenient it was, he listened to my every word.

How he must suffer!

Im sorry for making you suffer, Kurono

However, foolish joy outweighed my remorse.

Alright, Fiona. Lets get closer. No, if youre alright with me, why dont we go out? From now on, as a lover, and not a friend.

The moment I heard those words, I became the happiest girl in the world.

My wish had come true.

I couldnt wish for anything more.

Hence why, I could endure it, I was even willing to permit Sariels existence.

Hey, its spilling. Please drink it properly.

When I suddenly came to, Sariels face was still immersed in the soup. The discolored soup had been soiled by the white vixen and the dusty floor.

Phew Haa

Sariels breath was slightly hurried.

Geez, its just a plate of soup.

It wasnt like she was drowning.

Dont worry, this wont happen again.

I was different from the lowly female students at the magic academy whodespite being of n.o.ble birthwere ugly, vulgar, insidious, and were p.r.o.ne to bullying.

Right now, I was just losing my cool for a bit.

Although, even if I had prepared myself, when Crono did confess to it

Suffice to say, if Lily wasnt there, Id probably resorted to killing.

That was how shocked and disturbed I was.

As long as you dont betray Kurono, Ill guarantee your safety.

But of course, Id also welcome it if she secretly colluded with the Crusaders, because Id then have an excuse to get rid of her.

At the same time, itd be risky for me to do something so unnecessary here. If, by any chance, Kurono found out that I tried to set Sariel up, this relations.h.i.+p will end.

Itd be equally as risky to continue with this kind of bullying. No matter how soft he was, I didnt think hed tolerate such a rotten woman.

My job here was done. If the need arises, Id take care of Sariel. No, Id take the initiative. As if Id let Kurono bathe Sariel

Please refrain from causing me any problem. Above all, itd be helpful if you could hurry up and finish that bland soup, since Im in charge of cleaning.

Thus, I silently waited as the 7th Apostle uncomfortably lapped the soup like a dog.

Afterwards, I cleaned the soup stain from the floor, put away the plate, wiped Sariels face, placed her on the bed and then;

Its time for the finis.h.i.+ng touches.

Aah, how nervous I am, since its my first night

***

(Kuronos POV)

For now, lets head to bed.

But when I finally went to bed, a sudden realization hit me.

I know it.

The source of my fatigue was all mental. Physically, I wasnt exhausted in the least.

Certainly, we were in a bit of a rush when we crossed the Galahad Mountains and returned from the fortress to Spada. It was a moderately steep, yet reasonable long distance. Still, since I started the trip prepared with enough equipment, my body wasnt overburdened.

Now that I thought about it, the only joyous reunion I had so far was with my horseNightmare. The moment it saw me, it began to neigh and licked my face all over. It was totally different from Sariels Pegasus.

Speaking of which, had Sariel fallen asleep yet?

Come to think of it, she was present when Fiona confessed to me. I wondered what shed think of the b.l.o.o.d.y mess. Will she, who had s.h.i.+rasakis memory, think of me as an indecisive, useless, guy?

After living in the cultivation village, she had regained a semblance of her humanity. Well, Id like to believe that was the case. Perhaps, that was why I started regarding her as a regular person. Even though it shouldnt have mattered what Sariel thought of me

Yeah, thats a bad idea.

Kurono, are you still awake?

At Fionas voice, accompanied by the knocking of the door, my heart thumped.

Yes, I am. Whats the matter, Fiona?

May I come in?

Sure.

I had no reason to refuse.

Maybe, she failed to get Sariel to eat the soup.

If such was the case, Id do it in her stead.

The priest, Kuroewhod been caring for Sariel for three monthsshall teach her how to politely and generously

the foolish thought was swept away in an instant.

Oh, hey Fiona, that outfit is

The image of her opening the door with an interior lamp in hand loomed vaguely in the darkness.

Still, I could tell right away that she was wearing a scant, one-piece negligee. Considering Id seen her in pajamas quite a few times, it shouldnt come off as a surprise

but this was just different.

I had never seen her in such an outfit before. It was apparent at a glance that the fabric was thinno, its actually transparent

In fact, the same could be said about her outfit as a whole. It was see-through to the point that I wondered if there was even a meaning to wearing it in the first place.

At the same time, I could vividly make out her contour, and even her bare skin. I could also see her navel, and underneath it, was black Due to my good night vision, I didnt fail to catch her rather risqu, bikini-type, black pants.

Is something the matter?

Why did she say it as if it was something she usually wears?

Its too stimulating for a virgin!

Although, I was no longer a virgin. Even so, as a man who was unused to women, I tried my best to avert my gaze from her enticing appearance.

N-no, not at all, but

Is that so? Does it not suit me after all?

I, I think, it looks good on you, yeah

On top of stuttering, I wondered how credible my answer was when I directed it to a wall.

Still, I was being honest when I said that it suited her.

So, whats the matter, Fiona?

Well, I thought Id talk with Kurono for a bit more.

Is that so? Then, I also have something Id like to ask youhuh!?

Just when I thought Fiona was approaching the bed, she didnt stop. She drew closer.

For a moment, my blanket was removed, and chilly air rushed in. But the next moment, I felt the warmth and softness of human skin. Apparently, Fiona was hugging me from behind. The sensation of her hands crawling from my back akin to snakes made me shudder.

Hey, Fiona, wait a minute, this is

Isnt it alright? Were lovers.

Is this some kind of sneak attack?

No, wait a minute. Certainly, shed confessed, but that was just a moment ago. Besides, I didnt have the mental preparation to

Im sorry, Kurono.

Her somewhat dejected apology stopped my train of thoughts.

Why are you apologizing?

My confession was terrible, wasnt it?

If you want her to stay alive, go out with me.

Such was the gist of Fionas confession. As for whether or not it was terrible, of course it was. In fact, rather than a confession, it could even be considered as a threata criminal act.

No, thats not true. Im sure Fiona has suffered all this time. Therefore, you mustve been desperate.

Yes, I was really terrified of being rejected by Kurono

The fact that she even said such an outrageous thing proved that her feelings werent half-hearted, regardless of how dense I was.

Hence why I wanted you to accept me, even if it was a lie.

It wasnt a lie. If I truly didnt like it, I wouldve rejected you, even if it means using force.

Back when the confession took place, we were at the dormitorys lounge, and in a close proximity. If a battle had ensuedI, a berserker, wouldve had a better chance at victory than Fiona, a magician. In fact, I could even forcibly subdue her using brute force.

T-thats, but, Im

When I had to choose, I had to admit that I was troubled. But to be able to choose between Lily and Fiona in itself was probably the most luxurious choice in the world. And I ended up choosing the best woman.

Fionas arms tightened around my body.

Howd she receive my words?

She might be surprised, or plain decided that it was a lieno, she might not even care.

Being honest about what I felt was honestly scary, but I couldnt stop.

What I did with Sariel was unforgivable. Not even Lily was willing to forgive me. But Fiona, youand only you said that youd forgive me.

Even though I knew it was just a white lie.

Thank you for forgiving me.

Surely, that was all that I wanted.

The fake days I spent with Sariel, whom I couldnt kill. In the end, I couldnt find the answer myself.

How should I treat Sariel? What is it that I want to do?

Above all, how should I redeem myself after failing to kill Sariel?

The answer was infinitely simple

I just wanted someone to forgive me.

I love you, Fiona.

Suddenly, she released me.

But soon, she returned. Now, she was hugging me from the front.

Fiona came over me while I was lying on my back. Half of my blanket had fallen off the bed. It felt somewhat chilly.

Hmm

A third kiss. No, I didnt know how many times it had been. Fiona rained kisses on me, over and over again.

My heart raced as her indescribably soft lips pressed fiercely against mine. But rather than feeling as if my consciousness was swept away, I felt overtaken by my instincts.

And I knew that sensation all too well.

I see

When I gave up on everything and kissed Sariel on my own volition, it was also like this.

As if unsatisfied with those mere sensations alone, my lips began to part at a certain slimy and small foreign thing.

Then, Fionas tongue slid between my parted lips. In the small crevice that was my mouth, our tongues began to overlap with each other.

Nn, ugh, wait, Fiona!

Only by pus.h.i.+ng her shoulders did I manage to stop her advance.

W-why

Fionas face was dyed in a faint vermillion color as if she was feverish. Even without her saying a word, her excitement was conveyed loud and clear.

No more Thats enough for tonight. Please stop

Why? Do you find me unattractive?

Until I speak to Lily, I cant hold you.

What significance would talking to Lily have? At the very least, I didnt think Id be able to explain in my own words why itd be important.

Nevertheless, I had a convictiona conviction that I couldnt afford to be swept away by this.

Im sorry, Fiona. Im just being selfish

Its alright.

Fiona affirmed after a while.

But I cant wait for too long.

Yes, next time, Ill be the one to invite you.

Seeing Fiona in such a lewd state, I didnt think Id have it in me to refuse. Somehow, despite the fact that such an attractive girl wanted me, I was able to stop the act I felt proud of my rationality.

Hoo Is that so? If such is the case, then I might be able to wait for a little bit longer.

Fiona let out a luscious sigh before drawing away from meat the loss of her comforting weight, I felt somewhat regretful

Fiona slipped out of the bed and took the lamp that was by my bedside. Apparently, she was going back to her own room.

Uhm, Kurono.

But she couldnt leave

I had caught her wrist, holding her back.

Sorry, but can you spend the night with me?

Thats terrible, Kurono. You might as well kill me.

As she spoke, she seemed terribly embarra.s.sed.

Im begging you, let me care for you.

This much should be fine.

Fine, then. After all

After all, shes my lover.